Baseball's Backup Plan: Keeping the Games on Air

Major League Baseball (MLB) is ready to step in and take over local broadcasts for several teams. This comes as the FanDuel Sports Network, which runs these regional broadcasts, faces financial troubles. The network, operated by Main Street Sports Group, missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals last December. It also broadcasts games for other teams like the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Miami Marlins, among others. The commissioner of baseball, Rob Manfred, assured fans that no matter what happens, the games will still be available. This isn't the first time MLB has stepped in. In 2023, they took over broadcasts for the San Diego Padres and later added the Arizona Diamondbacks. More teams have joined since then, including the Colorado Rockies and the Cleveland Guardians.Main Street Sports Group used to be called Diamond Sports Group. It went through bankruptcy last year and changed its name. Manfred said the focus is on making sure teams get the most money possible, whether it's from MLB or someone else. Teams can choose to switch to MLB's broadcasts if they think it's the best option. Local broadcasts bring in more than 20% of the industry's revenue. MLB and the players' association helped teams whose local media revenue dropped in 2024. But they didn't make a similar deal for 2025. Manfred said there's no financial help right now. Manfred was speaking at a news conference about a new initiative with Foster Love. This initiative aims to get 250, 000 volunteer hours to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. At the conference, MLB staff put together duffel bags with goods for foster care children.